published in 2013. Description The fruit bodies of Podoserpula species have an unusual form unknown in other fungi. The fruit bodies, which grow to a height of , consist of up to a dozen cup-shaped (spathulate) to kidney-shaped (reniform) caps arranged in multiple tiers and attached to a central stem. Caps are joined to the main axis by short, flattened, stem-like attachments. The variety tristis, in contrast, has caps that are more circular and appear to be pierced either centrally or off to the side. The surface of the caps is smooth and often brightly colored. The hymenium (spore-bearing surface) on the underside of the caps is pink and has a folded and corrugated surface. Close to the area of attachment between the cap and the stem-like connection to the main axis are swellings resembling warts or blisters. Individual caps resemble somewhat those of the European species Plicaturopsis crispa. Podoserpula has a monomitic hyphal structure, meaning that it only contains generative hyphae, which are relatively undifferentiated and can develop reproductive structures. These hyphae are thin-walled, hyaline (translucent), branched, and up to 10 μm thick. They have distinct, often swollen, clamp connections at the septa. The spores are small, typically 2.75–6 by 2–3.5 μm, smooth, hyaline, and vary in shape from roughly elliptical to somewhat spherical. The basidia (spore-bearing cells) can be either two- or four-spored, and are club shaped, with a clamp connection at the base. Podoserpula has neither cystidia nor gloeocystidia. Podoserpula pusio var. pusio is the nominate variety. Its fruit bodies are rarely greater than tall. Variety austro-americana is the largest of the varieties, reaching heights up to . Other than its size and geographical distribution, it is roughly similar to var. pusio. Variety ellipsospora has elongated elliptical spores typically measuring 4–5 by 2.75–3.5 μm. Variety tristis has caps whose upper surfaces are colored pale fawn, and the main axis of the fruit bodies pierces through the cap. Podoserpula miranda grows to a height of . It differs from P. pusio var. pusio in having thinner flesh, up to six funnel-shaped caps whose size diminishes approaching the top, and a bright pink coloration in the folds of the hymenium. Habitat and distribution The fruit bodies of Podoserpula pusio grow on the ground, on well-rotted stumps, or among decaying tussock grass. They are presumed to be saprobic, and obtain nutrients by breaking down larger organic molecules found in the